Micromobility markings improve safety

Micromobility markings improve cycling safety

As citizens embrace the cycling and micromobility revolution, cities must adapt and update infrastructure to help enhance the safety of all road users

Words | Anders Wellving, Geveko Markings, Sweden

No matter what means of transportation you use, there should be room for you on the roads so that you can feel safe in traffic. This is a statement that most of us can probably agree on. However, it is an increasingly difficult aspiration to live up to. The United Nations predicts that by 2030, over 60% of the global population will live in cities and this will put increased pressure on the urban infrastructure that will need to be adapted to keep up with this trend. One solution is to get more people to switch from cars to smaller, more eco-friendly means of transportation – so-called micromobility vehicles.

Micromobility on the rise

Bikes are a big part of micromobility, but this term also covers other modes of electric- or human-powered transport. Micromobility vehicles are usually characterised by going at a low (25 km/h) to medium (45 km/h) speeds and includes, for example, e-bikes and e-scooters.

These are modes of transport that are growing in popularity and are also being politically endorsed due to positive effects on health, the environment, and the increasingly intense traffic volumes. The Covid-19 pandemic has continued to push this trend forward bringing about a veritable ‘bicycle boom’ that was caused in part by concerns over public transportation and the increased focus on easily accessible, outside exercise.

This is all well and good, but without clearly marked spaces and dedicated lanes, safety can be an issue for the vulnerable micromobility users. To become a strong alternative to traditional modes of traffic, micromobility infrastructure needs to be developed so that it is easy, logical, and not least, safe to use. And here, horizontal markings play an essential role.

Above: Before and after application of micromobility markings in Rudersdal, Copenhagen. A good example of what markings can do to increase visibility and safety significantly in a hazardous area

Eyes on the road

”Keep your eyes on the road!” This is a saying that most of us have probably heard before as a reminder to stay focused in traffic. According to a study done by the Swedish research institute RISE, this is quite literally what cyclists tend to do1 .

The study commissioned by the Swedish traffic authorities, used eye tracking to measure cyclists’ visual distribution of attention and how it was divided between the road surface, other road users, road safety devices and the surroundings. The results were clear: A large part (48%) of the cyclists’ attention is directed towards the road surface.

When symbols, signs and guiding markings are placed on the roads, there is a greater chance of cyclists noticing them. Another advantage of horizontal markings is that horizontal signs are less at risk of vandalism than vertical signs. Apart from being stolen, vertical signs can be broken, turned around or painted with graffiti, making them more difficult to decode or even make them unreadable.

Knowing that the road is where cyclists focus most of their attention is an essential insight. In the greater perspective, the results of this and similar studies could in fact be the foundation for a more systematic way of planning and managing attention for road users.

It underlines the huge potential of horizontal markings to influence traffic flows and create a safer infrastructure – especially for vulnerable road users. Their feeling of safety is a prerequisite for creating a more holistic transport system with room for everyone on the roads.

Making a colourful mark

The purpose of micromobility markings is to separate vehicles in this category from the rest of the road where cars and other large vehicles are usually dominant. This can for example be done with coloured areas, clearly marked out routes and guidance symbols.

International road marking company Geveko Markings has a wide range of solutions for improved and effective micromobility infrastructure investments. These solutions are designed to attract attention and guide both micromobility users and drivers safely through traffic. They will strengthen any bicycle infrastructure project including crossings, intersections, region-wide cycle highways and safe routes to school.

Left: Micromobility markings and dedicated lanes help improve safety for vulnerable road users

48%

Below: Bright colours and Safety first recognisable symbols make Creating dedicated micromobility markings easy infrastructure will make it easier to for road users to navigate cities and get safely to your navigate destination, even as a vulnerable road user. It will also make it easier for motorists to judge how much space to allow when passing, preventing them from swerving into a vulnerable road user’s space. In short, establishing micromobility infrastructure can encourage more people to choose an active mode of mobility such as a bicycle because they feel safe doing so. This will heighten their overall activity level leaving a positive effect

The proportion of on both personal and public health. More electric and cyclists’ attention that is human powered vehicles directed towards the road surface on the road will also lead to a lower level of traffic pollution and thereby have a positive effect on the environment. With relatively simple means, micromobility markings can help ensure that every city - big or small - is able to improve conditions for its citizens and take climate action as well. The solutions are available for this increasing need, so it is now up to the stakeholders within road infrastructure and urban planning and development to take action, promote and implement them for the benefit of all road users.

Reference

1. https://www.ri.se/en (‘Modell för att mäta oskyddade trafikanters uppmärksamhetsfördelning som funktion av trafikmiljöers utformning och standard’)

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT